Process for the preparation of non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor modulators

ABSTRACT

A process for preparing a compound of the formula                    
     useful as a non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor modulator.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This divisional application is based upon and claims priority from U.S. non-provisional application number 10/008,619, filed Oct. 22, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,570,020 and U.S. provisional application No. 60/243,873, filed Oct. 27, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor modulators.

Nuclear receptors are classically defined as a family of ligand dependent transcription factors, that are activated in response to ligand binding (R. M. Evans, 240 Science, 889 (1988)). Members of this family include the following receptors: glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, androgen, progesterone and estrogen. Naturally occurring ligands to these receptors are low molecular weight molecules that play an important role in health and in many diseases. Excesses or deficiencies of these ligands can have profound physiological consequences. As an example, glucocorticoid excess results in Cushing's Syndrome, while glucocorticoid insufficiency results in Addison's Disease.

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is present in glucocorticoid responsive cells where it resides in the cytosol in an inactive state until it is stimulated by an agonist. Upon stimulation the glucocorticoid receptor translocates to the cell nucleus where it specifically interacts with DNA and/or protein(s) and regulates transcription in a glucocorticoid responsive manner. Two examples of proteins that interact with the glucocorticoid receptor are the transcription factors, API and NFκ-B. Such interactions result in inhibition of API- and NFκ-B-mediated transcription and are believed to be responsible for some of the anti-inflammatory activity of endogenously administered glucocorticoids. In addition, glucocorticoids may also exert physiologic effects independent of nuclear transcription. Biologically relevant glucocorticoid receptor agonists include cortisol and corticosterone. Many synthetic glucocorticoid receptor agonists exist including dexamethasone, prednisone and prednisilone. By definition, glucocorticoid receptor antagonists bind to the receptor and prevent glucocorticoid receptor agonists from binding and eliciting GR mediated events, including transcription. RU486 is an example of a non-selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting a compound of the formula

with an amide of the formula

in the presence of 1,1′-carbonyldiimazole.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting a compound of the formula

with aqueous sodium hydroxide in a polar protic solvent.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reducing a compound of the formula

with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting the compound of the formula

with trifluoromethylpropyne.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reducing a compound of the formula

with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst and potassium carbonate.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting a compound of the formula

with a cyanide source in the presence of a catalyst.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting a compound of the formula

with sodium methoxy.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting a compound of the formula

with methyl vinyl ketone.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting a compound of the formula

with pyrrolidine followed by reacting the resultant pyrrolidine enamine intermediate with a benzyl halide.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising (a) reacting a compound of the formula

with pyrrolidine followed by reacting the resultant pyrrolidine enamine intermediate with a benzyl halide to form the compound of formula IX

(b) reacting the compound of formula IX so formed with methyl vinyl ketone to form the compound of formula VIII

(c) reacting the compound of formula VIII so formed with sodium methoxy to form the compound of formula VII

(d) reacting the compound of formula VII so formed with a cyanide source in the presence of a catalyst to form the compound of formula VI

(e) reducing the compound of formula VI so formed with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst and potassium carbonate to form the compound of formula V

(f) reacting the compound of formula V so formed with trifluoromethylpropyne to form the compound of formula IV

(g) reducing the compound of formula IV so formed with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to form the compound of formula III

(h) reacting the compound of formula III so formed with aqueous sodium hydroxide in a polar protic solvent to form the compound of formula II

(i) reacting the compound of formula II so formed with an amide of the formula

in the presence of 1,1′-carbonyldiimazole.

The present invention relates to a process for prepairing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting the compound of the formula

with methyl vinyl ketone.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting a compound of the formula

with a benzyl halide.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting the compound of the formula

with an amine of the formula

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting the compound of the formula

with a borane or a borate.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting a compound of the formula

with a compound of the formula

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting the compound of the formula

with trimethylsilyl trifluoromethane.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting a compound of the formula

with an amine of the formula

in the presence of 1,1′carbonydiimidazole.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting the compound of the formula

with aqueous sodium hydroxide in a polar protic solvent.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a compound of then formula

comprising reducing the compound of formula XIII

with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

is formed comprising reacting the compound of the formula

with trifluoromethylpropyne.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

is formed comprising reducing the compound of formula XV

with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula

comprising reacting the compound of the formula

with a cyanide source.

The present invention relates to a compound of the formula

The present invention relates to a compound of the formula

The present invention relates to a compound of the formula

The present invention relates to a compound of the formula

The present invention relates to a compound of the formula

The present invention relates to a compound of the formula

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In reaction 1 of Preparation A, the compound of formula X is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XXIII, by reacting X with an amine compound of the formula

in the presence of a polar aprotic solvent, such as toluene. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about 90° C. to about 150° C., preferably about 115° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 2 hours.

In reaction 2 of Preparation A, the compound of formula XXIII is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XXII, by reacting XXIII with a benzyl halide, such as benzyl bromide, in the presence of a base such as lithium diisopropylamide, and an acid, such as methanesulfonic acid. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about −78° C. to about room temperature, preferably about 25° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 2 hours.

In reaction 3 of Preparation A, the compound of formula XXII is converted to the corresponding compound of formula VIII, by reacting XXII with methyl vinyl ketone in the presence of an acid, such as sulfuric acid, and a polar aprotic solvent, such as toluene. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about −40° C. to about 180° C., preferably about 38° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 2 hours.

In reaction 1 of Preparation B, the compound of formula VII is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XX, by first treating VII with a base, such as n-butyl lithium, in the presence of a polar solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran. The reaction is stirred a temperature between about −100° C. to about −70° C., preferably about −78° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 2 hours. A borane, such as diphenylborane, or a borate, is then added to the reaction mixture and sodium hydroxide is then added in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The resulting reaction mixture is stirred at a temperature between about −20° C. to about 0° C., preferably about −10° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 2 hours.

In reaction 1 of Preparation C, the compound of formula XIX is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XVIII, by reacting XIX with trimethylsilyl triflouromethane in the presence of tetrabutylammonium fluoride and a polar aprotic solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about −78° C. to about room temperature, preferably about −10° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 2 hours.

In reaction 2 of Preparation C, the compound of XVIII is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XVII, by reacting XVIII with a compound of the formula

in the presence of a base. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about −10° C. to about room temperature, preferably about 25° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 2 hours.

In reaction 1 of Preparation D, the compound of formula XVI is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XV, by reacting XVI with a cyanide source, such as zinc cyanide, in the presence of palladium coupling reagent, such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), and a polar protic solvent, such as dimethylformamide. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about 25° C. to about 150° C., preferably about 80° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 4 hours.

In reaction 2 of Preparation D, the compound of formula XV is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XIV, by reducing XV with hydrogen, under a pressure between about 20 psi to about 100 psi, preferably about 60 psi, in the presence of a catalyst, such as palladium on carbon, and a polar solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran, followed by treating the reaction mixture with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about 0° C. to about 100° C., preferably about 25° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 6 hours.

In reaction 3 of Preparation D, the compound of formula XIV is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XIII, by reacting XIV with trifluoromethylpropyne in the presence of a base, such as potassium tert-butyloxy, and a polar solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran. The reaction is stirred at about −78° C. to about −25° C., preferably about −10° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 1 hour.

In reaction 4 of Preparation D, the compound of formula XIII is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XII, by reducing XIII with hydrogen, under a pressure between about 10 psi to about 50 psi, preferably about 20 psi, in the presence of a catalyst, such as palladium on carbon. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about 0° C. to about 100° C., preferably about 25° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 6 hours.

In reaction 5 of Preparation D, the compound of formula XII is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XI, by reacting XII with 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide in ethanol. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about 60° C. to about 100° C., preferably about 80° C., for a time period between about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, preferably about 6 hours.

In reaction 6 of Preparation D, the compound formula XII is converted to the corresponding compound of formula XXVII, by reacting XI with an amine of the formula

in the presence of 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole and a polar aprotic solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran. The reaction is heated to reflux for time period between about 1 hour to about 3 hours, preferably about 2 hours.

In reaction 1 of Scheme 1, the compound of formula X is converted to the corresponding compound of formula IX by reacting X with pyrrolidine in the presence of an aprotic solvent, such as toluene. The reaction is heated to a temperature between about 80° C. to about 150° C., preferably about 115° C., for a time period between about 1 hour to about 3 hours, preferably about 2 hours. The resultant pyrrolidine enamine intermediate is then reacted with benzyl bromide, in an aprotic solvent, such as toluene, at a temperature between about 80° C. to about 100° C., preferably about 90° C., for a time period between about 30 minutes to about 3 hours, preferably about 2 hours.

In reaction 2 of Scheme 1, the compound of formula IX is converted to the compound of formula VII by first heating IX in water and an aprotic solvent, such as toluene, at a temperature between about 25° C. to about 110° C., preferably about 100° C., for a time period between about 1 hour to about 3 hours, preferably about 2 hours. S-(−)-α-methyl benzylamine is then added to the reaction mixture and the solution was heated to a temperature between about 80° C. to about 150° C., preferably about 115° C. The intermediate so formed is then reacted with methyl vinyl ketone. The reaction mixture is then stirred at temperature between about 0° C. to about −20° C., preferably about −10° C., for a time period between about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes, preferably about 20 minutes.

In reaction 3 of Scheme 1, the compound of formula VIII is converted to the corresponding compound of formula VII by first treating VIII with sodium methoxide in the presence of a polar protic solvent, such as ethanol. The reaction mixture is stirred at a temperature between about room temperature to about 80° C., for a time period between about 1 hour to about 3 hours, preferably about 2 hours. The reaction mixture is then added to an acetylchloride ethanol solution and the resulting mixture is allowed to stir at a temperature between about −10° C. to about 10° C., preferably about 0° C., for a time period between about 15 minutes to about 1 hour, preferably about 30 minutes.

In reaction 4 of Scheme 1, the compound of formula VII is converted to the corresponding compound of formula VI by reacting VII with a cyanide source, such as zinc cyanide, in the presence of a catalyst, such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), and a polar solvent, such as dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about 70° C. to about 90° C., preferably about 80° C., for a time period between about 10 hours to about 14 hours, preferably about 12 hours.

In reaction 5 of Scheme 1, the compound of formula VI is converted to the corresponding compound of formula V by reducing VI with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, such as palladium on carbon, potassium carbonate and a polar aprotic solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran. The reaction is stirred under pressure between about 40 psi to about 100 psi, preferably about 60 psi, at room temperature, for a time period about 4 hours to about 6 hours, preferably about 5 hours.

In reaction 6 of Scheme 1, the compound of formula V is converted to the corresponding compound of formula IV by reacting V with trifluoromethylpropyne in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide and a polar aprotic solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about −20° C. to about 0° C., preferably about −10° C.

In reaction 7 of Scheme 1, the compound of formula IV is converted to the corresponding compound of formula III by reducing IV with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, such as palladium on carbon and a polar aprotic solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran. The reaction is stirred under pressure between about 10 PSI to about 30 PSI, preferably about 20 PSI, at room temperature, for a time period between about 2 hours to about 7 hours, preferably about 5.5 hours.

In reaction 8 of Scheme 1, the compound of formula III is converted to the corresponding compound of formula II by reacting III with aqueous sodium hydroxide in the presence of a polar protic solvent, such as ethanol. The reaction is stirred at a temperature between about 70° C. to about 90° C., preferably about 80° C., for a time period between about 12 hours to about 18 hours, preferably about 15 hours.

In reaction 9 of Scheme 1 the compound of formula II is converted to the corresponding compound of formula I by reacting II with an amine of the formula

in the presence of 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole and a polar aprotic solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran. The reaction is heated to reflux for time period between about 1 hour to about 3 hours, preferably about 2 hours.

Experimental Section

All reagents were available from commercial sources and used without purification unless stated otherwise. Melting points were determined on a Thomas Hoover capillary melting point apparatus and were uncorrected. NMR spectra were obtained on an UNITYpIus-400 (400 MHz) spectrometer in deuterochloroform, acetone-d₆ or DMSO-d₆. Infrared spectra were recorded on a Nicolet Avatar 360 FT-IR. Optical rotations were determined on a Perkin-Elmer 241 polarimeter. Mass spectra were obtained at M-Scan Inc., West Chester, Pa. Elemental analyses were performed by Schwarzkopf Microanalytical Laboratory, Woodside, N.Y.

EXAMPLE 1 1-(1 (RS)-Benzyl-6-bromo-3,4-dihydro-1H-naphthalen-2-ylidene)-pyrrolidinium bromide.

A solution of the bisulfite adduct of bromotetralone (250 grams, 760 mmol) in saturated sodium bicarbonate (1.25 L) and ethyl acetate (2.5 L) was stirred vigorously overnight. Phases were separated and the organic was transferred to a new flask and toluene (1 L) was added. The solution was distilled under reduced pressure to a volume of approximately 500 mL. An additional 500 mL of toluene was added and distilled under reduced pressure to a volume of approximately 300 mL. The solution was cooled to room temperature and pyrrolidine (54.1 grams, 760 mmol) was added. The reaction was heated to 150° C. under Dean-Stark conditions. After 2 hours approximately 13 mL of water was collected and concentration of a small sample showed the reaction was complete by NMR. The toluene solution of pyrrolidine enamine was cooled to 90° C. and benzyl bromide (105 mL, 912 mmol) was added dropwise. After 30 minutes solids began to granulate and the solution became very thick. An additional 500 mL of toluene was added to aid stirring and heating was continued at 90° C. for 2 hours. The slurry was allowed to cool to room temperature and granulate overnight. The solids were filtered and washed with toluene (2 times 500 mL). After drying in a vacuum oven overnight (50° C.) a brown solid was collected: 250 grams (557 mmol), 73% yield; mp 203-205° C.; IR (film) ν 1654, 1596 cm⁻¹; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.17-7.13 (m, 3H), 7.08 (dd, 1H, J=8.3, 1.7 Hz), 6.98-6.93 (m, 2H), 6.68 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 4.29 (dd, 1H, J=7.5, 7.5 Hz), 4.25-4.17 (m, 2H), 3.95-3.86 (m, 1H), 3.62-3.49 (m, 2H), 3.27 (dd, 1H, J=13.7, 6.6 Hz), 3.14-3.05 (m, 3H), 2.07-1.95 (m, 3H), 1.92-1.84 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 189.2, 137.2, 136.1, 132.2, 131.2, 130.9, 130.6, 129.8, 129.2, 127.8, 122.1, 55.1, 55.2, 51.3, 39.3, 34.0, 25.6, 24.9, 24.2. Anal. calcd for C₂₁H₂₂BrN: C, 56.15; H, 5.16; N, 3.12. Found: C, 55.64; H, 5.22; N, 3.22.

EXAMPLE 2 1 (R)-Benzyl-5-bromo-9(S)-hydro-10(R)-hydroxy-10(R)-methyl-tricyclo[7.3.1.0^(2,7)]trideca-2,4,6-trien-13-one.

A solution of 1-(1(RS)-Benzyl-6-bromo-3,4-dihydro-1H-naphthalen-2-ylidene)-pyrrolidinium bromide (245 grams, 545 mmol) in toluene (275 mL) and water (275 mL) was heated to 100° C. for 2 hours and then cooled to room temperature. Phases were separated and the aqueous washed with toluene (250 mL). The combined organics and (S)-(−)-α-methylbenzylamine (71 mL, 545 mmol) were heated to 150° C. under Dean-Stark conditions. Once 250 mL of toluene and water were collected the reaction was allowed to cool to room temperature and stir overnight. The solution was then cooled to −10° C. and methyl vinyl ketone (50 mL, 600 mmol), freshly distilled from potassium carbonate under reduced pressure, was added dropwise over 15 minutes. Once addition was complete the reaction was stirred at −10° C. for 20 minutes and then allowed to warm to room temperature. The solution was heated to 38° C. and monitored by NMR. After 7 hours, no starting material was observed and the reaction was cooled to room temperature. 10% sulfuric acid (750 mL) was added and the solution was stirred overnight during which time solids precipitated out of solution. These solids were filtered and washed with water (500 mL) and isopropyl ether (1000 mL). After drying in a vacuum oven (45° C.) overnight a light brown solid was collected: 159 grams (413 mmol), 76% yield; mp154-155° C.; IR (film) ν 3412, 1717 cm⁻¹; [α]²⁵ _(D)−48.75; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.26-7.19 (m,2H), 7.13-7.08 (m, 2H), 7.06-7.00 (m, 4H), 3.72 (d, 1H, J=15.8 Hz), 3.35 (dd, 1H, J=18.0, 6.6 Hz), 3.12 (d, 2H, J=15.8 Hz), 3.11 (d, 1H, J=18.0 Hz), 2.66 (d, 1H, J=6.6 Hz), 2.28 (ddd, 1H, J=13.1, 13.1, 4.5 Hz), 2.06 (bs, 1H), 1.67 (ddd, 1H, J=13.1, 4.5, 2.7 Hz), 1.57-1.50 (m, 1H), 1.44-1.38 (m, 1H), 1.36 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 212.9, 139.6, 138.4, 136.8, 130.5, 130.4, 130.4, 128.7, 128.1, 125.8, 120.6, 79.3, 58.4, 54.2, 41.9, 38.5, 34.0, 32.9, 28.1. Anal. Calcd for C₂₁H₂₁BrO₂: C, 65.46; H, 5.49. Found: C, 65.42; H, 5.44. The structure and absolute configuration were confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis.

EXAMPLE 3 4a(S)-Benzyl-7-bromo-2-ethoxy-3,4,4a,9-tetrahydro-phenanthrene

Sodium methoxide (8.4 grams, 156 mmol) was added slowly to a solution of 1-(1 (RS)-Benzyl-6-bromo-3,4-dihydro-1H-naphthalen-2-ylidene)-pyrrolidinium bromide (60 grams, 156 mmol) in 2B ethanol (540 mL) and stirred for 4 hours at 80° C. HPLC showed starting material was consumed and the reaction was cooled to −10° C. Acetylchloride (33 mL, 467 mmol) as a solution in 2B ethanol (180 mL) was also cooled to −10° C. The reaction mixture was added slowly to the acetyl chloride solution such that the temperature remained at approximately 0° C. Once addition was complete the resulting solids were allowed to granulate for 1 h at 0° C. The solids were filtered and washed with 2B ethanol (2 times 100 mL) and placed in a vacuum oven at room temperature overnight. The resulting solids contained 7.59% sodium chloride ash and could be taken on without purification. After drying in a vacuum oven overnight (room temperature) a pale yellow solid was collected: 56.1 grams (131 mmol), 84% yield; mp 134-135° C.; IR (film) ν 1656, 1631 cm⁻¹; [α]²⁵ _(D)+170.68; ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 7.37-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.11-7.05 (m, 2H), 7.01-6.95 (m, 2H), 6.53 (d, 2H, J=7.1 Hz), 5.49 (dd, 1H, J=5.8, 2.5 Hz), 5.47 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 3.91 (q, 2H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.03 (d, 1H, J=12.5 Hz), 2.91 (dd, 1H, J=21.6, 5.8 Hz), 2.77-2.69 (m, 1H), 2.68 (d, 1H, J=12.5 Hz), 2.59 (dd, 1H, J=12.9, 6.0 Hz), 2.27 (dd, 1H, J=17.1, 6.0 Hz), 2.13 (d, 1H, J=21.6 Hz), 1.79 (ddd, 1H, J=12.9, 12.9, 5.8 Hz), 1.32 (t, 3H, J=7.1 Hz); ¹³C NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 155.2, 141.1, 140.1, 137.8, 136.2, 130.7, 129.9, 128.8, 127.9, 127.1, 126.0, 119.3, 118.7, 98.9, 62.5, 44.3, 41.9, 32.4, 30.0, 25.6, 14.3. Anal. Calcd for C₂₃H₂₃BrO: C, 69.88; H, 5.86. Found: C, 70.20; H, 5.84.

EXAMPLE 4 4b(S)-Benzyl-7-ethoxy-4b,5,6,10-tetrahydro-phenanthrene-2-carbonitrile.

Zinc cyanide (13.4 g, 114 mmol) was added to a solution of 4a(S)-Benzyl-7-bromo-2-ethoxy-3,4,4a,9-tetrahydro-phenanthrene (30 grams, 75.9 mmol) in DMF (200 mL) followed by tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), (10.5 g, 9.11 mmol) in a flask outfitted with a bleach scrubbing system. Additional dimethyl formamide (400 mL) was used to wash the sides of the flask and funnel. The suspension was heated to 80° C. After 7 hours HPLC showed no starting material and the reaction was cooled to room temperature. The suspension was diluted with EtOAc (300 mL) and filtered through a pad of Celite. The filtrate was washed with 2N NH₄OH (2 times 500 mL), brine (500 mL) and water (500 mL). Upon addition of water solids began to precipitate out so additional EtOAc (200 mL) was added. The organic layer was concentrated to ½ volume and diluted with ethanol (250 mL) and water (250 mL). The resulting solids were allowed to granulate for 1 hour and then filtered. The mother liquor was concentrated slightly and a second crop was collected. After the combined crops air dried overnight a white solid was collected: 24.9 grams (72.9 mmol), 96% yield; mp 164-165° C., IR (film) ν 2227, 1657, 1631 cm⁻¹; [α]²⁵ _(D)+160.06; ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 7.62-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.09-7.06 (m, 1H), 7.01-6.95 (m, 2H), 6.51 (d, 2H, J=7.1 Hz), 5.54 (dd, 1H, J=5.4, 2.0 Hz), 5.49 (d, 1, J=1.6 Hz), 3.91 (q, 2, J=7.1 Hz), 3.07 (d, 1, J=12.5 Hz), 2.99 (dd, 1, J=21.6, 5.8 Hz), 2.81-2.72 (m, 1H), 2.73 (d, 1H, J=12.5 Hz), 2.65 (dd, 1H, J=13.7, 6.6 Hz), 2.29 (dd, 1H, J=17.8, 5.4 Hz), 2.15 (d, 1H, J=21.6 Hz), 1.83 (ddd, 1H, J=12.8, 12.8, 6.2 Hz), 1.33 (t, 3H, J=7.1 Hz); ¹³C NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 155.3, 147.4, 138.9, 137.4, 136.0, 131.0, 130.7, 129.5, 127.2, 127.0, 126.2, 119.0, 118.4, 109.5, 98.8, 62.5, 44.2, 42.5, 32.1, 29.9, 25.5, 14.3. Anal. Calcd for C₂₄H₂₃NO: C, 84.42; H, 6.79; N, 4.10. Found: C, 83.82; H, 6.87; N, 4.04. The structure and absolute configuration were confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis.

EXAMPLE 5 4b(S)-Benzyl-7-oxo-4b,5,6,7,8,8a(R),9,10-octahydro-phenanthrene-2-carbonitrile.

To a solution of water wet 5% palladium on carbon (7.0 grams) and K₂CO₃ (7.0 g) in THF (100 mL) was added 4b(S)-Benzyl-7-ethoxy-4b,5,6,10-tetrahydro-phenanthrene-2-carbonitrile (35.0 g, 103 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (600 mL). The resulting slurry was transferred to a 1 L hydrogenator with overhead stirring under 50 psi of hydrogen. After 5 hours no starting material could be detected by HPLC and the reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite. The filtrate was diluted with 1N hydrochloric acid (70 mL) and after standing for 1 hour no vinyl ether could be detected by HPLC. The solution was diluted with EtOAc (700 mL), water (700 mL) and brine (100 mL) and phases were separated. The organic was washed with water (700 mL) and brine (700 mL). The organic was concentrated under reduced pressure to approximately 500 mL and EtOAc (500 mL) was added and the solution concentrated again to approximately 300 mL. To the vigorously stirring solution were added hexanes (1 L) in one portion. The resulting solids were allowed to granulate for 1 hour and then filtered. HPLC showed some impurities so the solids were allowed to granulate in hexanes (75 mL) and EtOAc (25 mL) for 24 hours. The solids were filtered and allowed to air dry. The mother liquor was concentrated to give orange solids, which were granulated in EtOAc (15 mL) and hexanes (85 mL) for 24 hours. The solids were filtered and combined with the first crop. After air drying overnight a white solid was collected: 18 grams (57.1 mmol), 56% yield; mp 128-129° C.; IR (film) ν 2226, 1713 cm⁻¹; [α]²⁵ _(D)−252.50; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.43 (s, 1H), 7.21-7.08 (m, 4H), 6.58 (d, 2H, J=7.1 Hz), 6.40 (d, 1H, J=7.9 Hz), 3.21 (d, 1H, J=13.3 Hz), 3.13-2.97 (m, 2H), 2.85 (ddd, 1H, J=14.9, 14.9, 6.2 Hz), 2.80 (d, 1H, J=14.1 Hz), 2.66-2.51 (m,2H), 2.60 (d, 1H, J=14.1 Hz), 2.45-2.40 (m, 1H), 2.24-2.16 (m, 1H), 2.09-1.98 (m, 1H), 1.83-1.76 (m, 1H), 1.61 (dd, 1H, J=14.1, 14.1, 5.4 Hz); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 210.1, 147.6, 137.3, 136.5, 133.1, 130.9, 128.4, 128.1, 128.0, 127.0, 119.3, 110.4, 44.5, 42.7, 40.7, 38.2, 36.2, 33.0, 28.0, 24.7. Anal. Calcd for C₂₂H₂, NO: C, 83.77; H, 6.71; N, 4.44. Found: C, 83.76; H, 6.90; N, 4.40. The structure and absolute configuration were confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis.

EXAMPLE 6 4b(S)-Benzyl-7(R)-hydroxy-7(R)-trifluoroprop-1-ynyl-4b,5,6,7,8,8a(R),9,10-octahydro-phenanthrene-2-carbonitrile.

To a solution of 4b(S)-Benzyl-7-oxo-4b,5,6,7,8,8a(R),9,10-octahydro-phenanthrene-2-carbonitrile. (20 grams, 63.4 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (320 mL) cooled to −10° C. was added 3,3,3-triflouro-1-propyne (42 mL as a −3 M solution in tetrahydrofuran, 127 mmol). Potassium t-butoxide (12.7 mL as a 1.0 M solution in tetrahydrofuran, 12.7 mmol) was added via addition funnel to the solution to keep temperature at approximately −10° C. (approximately 7 minutes). Once addition was complete HPLC showed starting material was consumed and the product was observed as a 10:1 ratio of diastereomers. The reaction was quenched with water (1.14 mL, 63.4 mmol) and warmed to room temperature. The resulting solution can be taken on crude. Isolation begins by washing the organic with sat NH₄Cl (200 mL) and brine (2 times 200 mL). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), decanted and concentrated. After drying under high vacuum overnight a light brown foamy solid was collected: mp 73-75° C.; IR (film) ν 3409, 2275, 2230 cm⁻¹; [α]²⁵ _(D)−196.02; ¹H NMR (major diastereomer) (CDCl₃) δ 7.44 (s, 1H), 7.18-7.07 (m, 4H), 6.51 (d, 2H, J=7.1 Hz), 6.41 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 3.09-3.00 (m, 3H), 2.60 (d, 1H, J=13.3 Hz), 2.27-2.20 (m, 3H), 2.08-1.93 (m, 4H), 1.90-1.80 (m, 1H), 1.47-1.41 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (major diastereomer) (CDCl₃) δ 148.8, 137.5, 136.8, 133.1, 131.0, 128.1, 127.9, 127.8, 126.7, 119.4, 114.3 (q, J=257.1 Hz), 110.0, 90.4 (q, J=6.1 Hz), 72.1 (q, J=54.1 Hz), 69.1, 41.4, 40.5, 39.5, 35.9, 35.4, 30.0, 27.3, 23.8. HRMS (EI) calcd for protonated C₂₅H₂₂F₃NO m/e 410.1732, found m/e 410.1758.

Alternate synthesis: To a solution of 2 (1.0 g, 3.17 mmol) and 16 (726 mg, 3.49 mmol) in THF (20 mL) cooled to −15° C. TBAF (3.49 mL as a 1.0 M solution in THF, 3.49 mmol) was slowly to keep temperature below −10° C. Once addition was complete HPLC showed a 7:1 ratio of diastereomers favoring the axial propyne stereochemistry. The reaction was quenched with water (63 mg, 3.49 mmol) and warmed to room temperature. The resulting reaction mixture could them be used without further isolation or purification. All characteristics were identical to those of compound isolated from the above method.

EXAMPLE 7 4b(S)-Benzyl-7(S)-hydroxy-7(S)-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propyl)4b,5,6,7,8,8a(R),9,10-octahydro-phenanthrene-2-carbonitrile.

To a tetrahydrofuran (245 mL) solution of 4b(S)-Benzyl-7(R)-hydroxy-7(R)-trifluoroprop-1-ynyl-4b,5,6,7,8,8a(R),9,10-octahydro-phenanthrene-2-carbonitrile (17.3 grams, 42.3 mmol) in a Parr bottle was added wet 5% palladium on carbon (2.0 grams) slurried in tetrahydrofuran (5 mL). The reaction was placed on a Parr shaker under 20 psi of hydrogen. After 2.5 hours, hydrogen uptake slowed and ceased after an additional 3 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and the filtrate concentrated. After drying under high vacuum overnight a light brown foamy solid was collected: mp 70-72° C.; IR (film) ν 3454, 2228 cm⁻¹; [α]²⁵ _(D)−180.73; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) (major diastereomer) δ 7.42 (s, 1H), 7.17-7.07 (m, 4H), 6.51 (d, 2H, J=6.7 Hz), 6.39 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 3.13 (d, 1H, J=13.2 Hz), 3.12-2.96 (m, 2H), 2.57 (d, 1H, J=13.2 Hz), 2.26-2.10 (m, 3H), 2.06 (ddd, 1H, J=14.1, 14.1, 3.8 Hz), 2.03-1.67 (m, 8H), 1.23 (ddd, 1H, J=14.1, 14.1, 3.3 Hz); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) (major diastereomer) δ 149.4, 137.5, 137.0, 133.0, 131.0, 128.1, 128.0, 127.9, 127.8 (q, J=275.2 Hz), 126.6, 119.5, 110.0, 71.4, 41.2, 40.9, 39.3, 35.6, 34.5, 29.9, 29.6, 28.3 (q, J=28.6 Hz), 27.3, 24.2. HRMS (EI) calcd for prtonated C₂₅H₂₆F₃NO m/e 414.2045, found m/e 414.2050.

EXAMPLE 8 4b(S)-Benzyl-7(S)-hydroxy-7(S)-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propyl)₄b,5,6,7,8,8a(R),9,10-octahydro-phenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid.

A solution of 4b(S)-Benzyl-7(S)-hydroxy-7(S)-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propyl)-4b,5,6,7,8,8a(R),9,10-octahydro-phenanthrene-2-carbonitrile (10 grams, 24.2 mmol) in 2B ethanol (200 mL) and 50% sodium hydride (25 mL) was heated to 80° C. After 15 hours no starting material or intermediate amide could be detected by HPLC. The solution was cooled to 0° C. and concentrated hydrochloric acid was added dropwise until reaching pH of 6.3. The resulting solution was washed with EtOAc (2 times 250 mL) and the combined organics were concentrated to approximately 50 mL. Hexanes (200 mL) were added slowly via addition funnel generating solids, which were allowed to granulate. The solids were filtered and the mother liquor resubmitted to crystallization conditions generating a second crop, which was added to the first. After air drying overnight a white solid containing no observable diastereomer by HPLC was collected: 6.5 grams (15.1 mmol), 63% yield for 3 steps; mp 128-130° C.; IR (film) ν 2938, 1689 cm⁻¹; [α]²⁵ _(D)−143.10; ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 12.74 (bs, 1H), 7.67 (s, 1H), 7.34 (dd, 1H, J=8.3, 1.6 Hz), 7.10-7.03 (m, 3H), 6.49 (d, 2H, J=7.9 Hz), 6.34 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 4.65 (bs, 1H), 3.07 (d, 1H, J=13.2 Hz), 3.06-2.90 (m, 2H), 2.56 (d, 1H, J=13.2 Hz), 2.30-2.17 (m, 2H), 2.04-1.95 (m, 2H), 1.86-1.77 (m, 1H), 1.70-1.59 (m, 6H), 1.54 (d, 1H, J=12.0 Hz), 1.21-1.07 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 172.2, 150.1, 137.2, 136.5, 131.3, 131.0, 131.0, 127.8, 127.8 (q, J=276.5 Hz), 127.3, 126.5, 126.3, 71.8, 41.3, 40.9, 39.5, 35.7, 34.6, 30.0, 29.6, 28.3 (q, J=29.0 Hz), 27.5, 24.5. Anal. calcd for C₂₅H₂₇F₃O₃: C, 69.43; H, 6.29; F, 13.18. Found: C, 69.77; H, 7.02; F, 12.02.

EXAMPLE 9 4b(S)-Benzyl-7(S)-hydroxy-7(S)-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propyl)4,5,6,7,8,8a(R),9,10-octahydro-phenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid (2-methyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-amide.

To a solution of 4b(S)-Benzyl-7(S)-hydroxy-7(S)-(3,3,3-trifluoro-propyl)-4b,5,6,7,8,8a(R),9,10-octahydro-phenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid (1.0 grams, 2.31 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (20 mL) 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (450 mg, 2.77 mmol) was added. The reaction was refluxed and after 2 hours. HPLC, 1 mL/min; intermediated 8.3 minutes) showed no starting material. After the reaction was cooled to room temperature amine (339 mg, 2.77 mmol) dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (1 mL) was added. After 3 hours at room temperature HPLC, 1 mL/min; CP-628006T 4.7 min) showed no intermediate. To the solution water (50 mL) and EtOAc (50 mL) were added and the phases separated. The organic phase was washed with saturated NH₄Cl (2 times 50 mL) and concentrated. The resulting light brown foam was dissolved in hot acetone and inorganic salts were filtered off. The filtrate was concentrated and the resulting material suspended in EtOAc (15 mL). The resulting slurry was heated on a steam bath until approximately 5 mL EtOAc remained. The suspension was cooled to room temperature and the solids that precipitated were granulated overnight. The solids were filtered and the mother liquor was resubjected to the same crystallization process and a second crop was collected and combined with the first. After air drying overnight a white solid which was 97% pure by HPLC, 25% CH₃CN, 10% MeOH, 1 mL/min; 16.2 min) was collected: 851 mg (1.59 mmol); 69% yield; mp 219-220° C.; IR (film) ν 3324, 1640 cm⁻¹; [α]²⁵ _(D)−130.00; ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 8.86 (dd, 1H, J=5.6, 5.6 Hz), 8.30 (dd, 1H, J=4.7, 1.5 Hz), 7.66 (dd, 1H, J=1.5 Hz), 7.54 (dd, 1H, J=7.5, 1.2 Hz), 7.34 (dd, 1H, J=8.1, 1.5 Hz), 7.15 (dd, 1H, J=7.5, 4.7 Hz), 7.11-7.05 (m, 2H), 6.53-6.50 (m, 2H), 6.34 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 4.63 (s, 1H), 4.42 (d, 2H, J=6.2 Hz), 3.06 (d, 1H, J=12.9 Hz), 2.49 (s, 3H), 2.33-2.19 (m, 2H), 2.06-1.93 (m, 2H), 1.88-1.77 (m, 1H), 1.70-1.57 (m, 6H), 1.54 (d, 1H, J=12.0 Hz), 1.16-1.09 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 167.8, 156.7, 148.2, 147.8, 137.3, 136.8, 136.6, 132.0, 131.6, 131.1, 128.4, 127.9 (q, J=276.6 Hz), 127.8, 127.3, 126.4, 122.7, 121.9, 71.5, 41.6, 41.3, 40.6, 39.6, 35.7, 34.6, 30.1, 29.6, 28.3 (q, J=28.6 Hz), 27.6, 24.5, 22.1. Anal. Calcd for C₃₂H₃₅F₃N₂O₂: C, 71.62; H, 6.57; N, 5.22; F, 10.62. Found: C, 72.04; H, 6.54; N, 5.33; F, 10.65. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for preparing a compound of the formula:

comprising reacting the compound of the formula:

with methyl vinyl ketone.
 2. A process according to claim 1, wherein the compound of formula XXII is formed:

comprising reacting a compound of the formula:

with a benzyl halide.
 3. A process according to claim 2, wherein the compound of formula XXIII is formed:

comprising reacting the compound of the formula:

with an amine of the formula:


4. A compound of the formula: 